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First Gig: Saturday Evening till Sunrise (pg. 3)
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| Fl@k Monkey |
| Haven't really been to a club lately, From my experience last night it just tones the volume down for you so it can still be loud live but unlike everyone else you will be the one with the better hearing by the end of the night. |
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| all-nite-freak |
Some club systems are so clear that you can go without earlplugs. (I refuse to wear them in this case because the experience is something out of this world...imagine a sound very loud yet you can have a conversation without raising your voice) The distortion in club systems is what makes you feel like your ears are bleeding the next day, the db is a factor but varies depending on the latter. Unfortunately there are a very small handfull of clubs with systems in the world like this and they aren't related to your first gig.
I think you should wear ear muffs |
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| Fl@k Monkey |
| Yeah, I'm deaf in one ear so taking all precautions not to lose the remainder hearing i have. |
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| Beatflux |
| quote: | Originally posted by all-nite-freak
Some club systems are so clear that you can go without earlplugs. (I refuse to wear them in this case because the experience is something out of this world...imagine a sound very loud yet you can have a conversation without raising your voice) The distortion in club systems is what makes you feel like your ears are bleeding the next day, the db is a factor but varies depending on the latter. Unfortunately there are a very small handfull of clubs with systems in the world like this and they aren't related to your first gig.
I think you should wear ear muffs |
Wow, that sounds really nice. Where is a club like that at?
The one club I frequent has some bad distortion, and it can make changing house tunes pointless because you can't hear anything but bass. |
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| all-nite-freak |
I'm lazy and will google the list with those clubs and their custom systems a bit later. For now here is one of them. (yeah i'm biased but at least i could find the link quickly:p)
| quote: | Club Stereo is, in my opinion, the finest afterhours club in Canada and possibly the best in North America (It was rated #5 worldwide by Muzik magazine, the only North American club to make the list). I've had the good fortune to visit Stereo many times, as well as to be acquainted with people who work or have worked for the club. I cannot recommend a visit to Stereo highly enough.
Background
Stereo opened in the fall of 1998, the year I moved to Montreal. It was conceived by a group of local DJs (including Alain Vinet, Mark Anthony, Nav Bhinder, and Patrick Dream) in association with New York producer, DJ, and sound engineer Angel Moraes. Stereo is inspired by the legendary Paradise Garage in New York and, at least until its recent (winter 2003) renovation, was, in fact, reminiscent of the Garage in its layout.
The Club1
Stereo is located in an old movie theatre on St. Catherine's St. East, on the edge of the Gay Village. Entering the club one proceeds up a staircase, past the coat-check, to the downstairs lounge and bar2. From this room, a wide staircase leads upstairs to the VIP room3, chillout room, and the main dancefloor. The chillout room, located in what used to be the projection booth, is dimly lit, strewn with couches and chairs, and offers the relaxing clubber a panoramic view of the dancefloor. The dancefloor itself, located in the former theatre proper, is crowned by a 5-foot mirrorball (in addition to dozens of smaller ones). The lighting system is, in a word, insane (although I'm personally glad to hear that the strobe lights have been removed); no words could do it justice. Stereo's official capacity is 1200.
The Sound System
The sound system, which has been recognised as the best analog system in the world, was built pretty much entirely by Angel Moraes. It includes 12-foot speaker stacks, a Urei mixer, and gold-plated Tech-12s4. The clarity is unbelievable. Although incredibly loud, Stereo's sound system has none of the noisy frequencies which usually pollute nightclub sound (this clarity also prevents the usual post-clubbing bout of tinnitus). It's possible (although probably not very good for your ears) to have a conversation while sitting inside one of the speaker stacks.
Music Policy
House, House, House. Stereo was built for house music, and, with a few exceptions, that's what you'll hear. In general, Friday nights lean more towards progressive or tribal house, while Saturdays feature a more funky, diva-esque sound (see "People," below). David Morales and Victor Calderone are the club's best-known resident DJs (although Satoshii Tomiie seems to have an intermittent residency as well). The founding DJs are, of course, also residents. Guest DJs have included John Digweed, Deep Dish, Basement Jaxx, Derrick Carter, and Frankie Knuckles.
The People
As in any good club, the people are an integral part of the experience. Stereo has probably the most diverse, open crowd of any club in Montreal: drag queens, students, ravers, circuit party types, and clubbers all intermingle freely. In general, Friday nights tend to be more heterosexual and studenty, while Saturdays have more of a gay crowd, but there is by no any sort of segregation. In a scene which seems to thrive on attitude and pretension, Stereo's crowd exhibits a refreshing lack of either. The management definitely nurtures this vibe: for example, at about 6 in the morning, someone usually walks through the dancefloor passing out bottles of water, fresh fruit, or both5. The length of any given night is usually dependent on the crowd's willingness to continue: the club supposedly closes at 9 in the morning, but it's been known to stay open until noon or later (Stereo opens at 2am). The dedication to and love for this club are phenomenal. I think one of my friends (a passionate Stereo-goer) put it best: "Stereo is addictive, and it is a cult." Some truly dedicated Stereo-philes have even tattooed themselves with the club's logo.
Stereobar
Stereobar opened in 2001 (I think) in what was once the coat-check space. Unlike the club proper, Stereobar serves alcohol, is open on Wednesdays, and closes at 3. It's a good place to experience a little of the atmosphere of the club without paying the high cover charge (Club Stereo's cover starts at $17, Stereobar is often free) or staying up too late. And if you decide to continue the night in the club itself, you're only about 15 feet away... |
I once heard a Dj close the night (about 2pm the next afternoon) once by dropping a Mozzart track. Not one with a beat added or anything. Just pure Mozzart. On that system it was just crazy. Best closing track ever with the response it got from people who had just spent 12 hours putting down. |
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| nerdgrl416 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Fl@k Monkey
Yeah, I'm deaf in one ear so taking all precautions not to lose the remainder hearing i have. |
yeah, I'd rather hear a bit less with earplugs than not being able to hear anything at all in your 50's |
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| wesleysnipez |
Yeah sorry to here that but atleast it is out the way since had many of em to in my time and I just shrug it off then get back on the horse and play until I get bucked off again and get back on. Since my second gig was like yours so I know what it is like. Because that gig was a house party for 3 twins brother and they kept bugging me to play there crap all night. I hardly ever got to put my hard work into action.
Because they wanted there buy time I was able to play any of my 95% crowd was gone. But my 3RD gig was great to had call back to that spoil brat house 3 weeks later and at one point in my mix I blew 4 house windows out by accident but his father didn't mind at all as long his son was happy. But in end he paid it with his allowance. I got call back to play for him again at his pad since he now 19 lol. This would be 15th time I be playing for him. Playing for that person been fun times since each time i out do myself to rock his socks of even more. Now this time around going test some of my new mixes for him that I will play at club in near future. He can't wait when he is old enough to go clubbing then he said I won't call you I be coming to you at the club for it.
Now I don't do to many house parties since being one of 2 resident DJ at this club I"m co-owner of is fun. Since I get play 6 days a week here along with the other DJ since we split the 10 hour block each night.
I have loads ear plugs in my locker at the club since I value my hearing then going deaf. |
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| JD8180 |
| quote: | Originally posted by pactdonkey
Cheers for that! and does it effect the hearing of the atmosphere in the club? or does it just cancel out the bad frequencies.. |
i have those ear plugs... really good (and cheap). you still hear everything, just not AS loud. it just blocks the excess volume i guess is a good way to put it. you could still talk to people at normal conversation volume and hear them perfectly fine. |
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| JD8180 |
| quote: | Originally posted by all-nite-freak
Most people like ourselves who thrive on theis music think that everyone will know what a true DJ is, when in reality most of the world has no clue to who even that douchebag Tiesto is. Get used to it and keep dealing with them with tact.:) |
perfect example: yesterday was at a party, and my friend had his turntables set up along with his laptop (for when he wanted to stop djing, he'd just leave on a mix or a playlist).
my friend went to go chill/drink, so left the playlist playing and this random guy came on the tables and did absolutely nothing, just push the on/off button of the effects repeatedly, and play with the filter now and then. girls were going up to him saying he was an amazing dj. :rolleyes: |
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| Beat Blog |
| quote: | Originally posted by Fl@k Monkey
Yeah, I'm deaf in one ear so taking all precautions not to lose the remainder hearing i have. |
Good on you!
Do yourself a favour and get some custom made plugs like I did.
A pair costs $200-300 and lasts for 5-6 years, but you could get 2 made for the same ear, or just the one.
Those cheap ones are ok, however they cancel out the frequencies unequally.
If you grab the expensive ones, you are guaranteed to hear the music almost exactly the same, just softer. You will also have no trouble hearing other people talking to you.
In regards to your first gig, I'm sorry to hear that it didn't go so well; perhaps try throwing your own party where you choose the tunes and invite people who will like them.
One of my first gigs I ever played was a 6 hour set for a friend's party, music went from house>commercial>progressive>trance>hard trance.
Was probably the most fun I've ever had at a gig. Keep at it and you'll get there. |
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| G-Con |
| quote: | Originally posted by Fl@k Monkey
It sucked.
First of all, of all the times.. This weekend there was scheduled railroad work so after waiting at the station for 2 hours for my train.. I eventually jumped on the only train that kept passing by.. And realised it was the only train. Half way i had to change over to a bus.. Then back to a train.. Ended up getting there by about 7pm. About 20 people there when i arrived.
Setup my decks, And start busting out a mix.. Was banging it out. Had people dancing, tapping there feet etc. One girl even asked if id do a gig for her own party.. But i didn't get to give her my number before she left.
Then the owners (who told me to come and play house) best mates gf comes over to me.. And asks me to play a cd compilation shes already made of top40 crap and oldie rock songs.. Since it was her birthday party in the first place i agree.. Put the cd on and walk away. Grabbed a beer.. Had a bit of a chat with some of the people there, Even got taught how to juggle.
Later on, the owner (who told me to play house) comes back.. And tells me to play House now.. So i get behind the decks, Start banging it out again and again.. Told to put on the same friggin cd by the same girl.. "Ok!" i put on the same cd (which earlier had already played until the end so it was now playing for a 2nd time).
By this time everyones getting kind of annoyed and leaving fast, drunk people who were much taller and tougher looking than me are getting to close to my gear for comfort. One girl trying to be a prick tease and dance over me.. I'm getting fed up so i start slowly packing the rest of the gear not in use.. Then i get told to play something 'Upbeat' that people will know.. I try to explain im a house dj.. I play house music.
I have a look through my wallet, And find a remix of Madonna - Get Together.. So i put it on, The same girl comes back.. "hey, i have a fergie cd.. can you play it?" grrrrr..
As much as id like to have, I couldn't say .. It was her party and the owners mates bf (who also part-owned the house). Then the owners best mate who is a pretty rad guy comes over and asks if i want to do a bit of b2b mixing with him.. I whole heartedly agree and not long into it.. His gf comes over asking for "some rnb". Of course.. He dosent say anything. And i piss off to sit at the gutter for a smoko and beer.
Whilst in the gutter im also watching the remainder of the people who came to the party.. Leaving.. looking very annoyed and not like they had a good time.
5:00am
I go back in, theres some people on the back veranda.. winding down, getting high etc.. Can't see the guys gf in sight so i go in.. setup my gear.. And start playing some down-temp stuff.. She comes back, few minutes later her bf comes over to me "they want rnb". My reply was "O rly?"
I eject my cds, packup as much as i can.. His gf comes over to me and goes
His gf: "hey.. I'm sorry, Iv just realised iv been a bit of a bitch and not really let you do anything you wanted to do.. Can you please play your music now?"
Me: No.
His gf: You kinda over it?
Me: Yes
His gf: Iv been a bitch havent i?
Me: Yes
His gf: I'm sorry..
Me: *Grabs bag, jacket, Slams the door and leaves*
Waited at the ing train station for a good 2 hours before the trains actually start. Then switched to a bus, Train, bus etc.. Walked home from the station, Collapsed on the bed and i just woke now.. Its 8:23pm
test.Night.Ever |
Sorry to hear it didn't go too well but I really enjoyed reading this post. A well described story that I must admit had me laughing a few times.
Especially after all the build up and optimism in the previous posts for this one to start with
"It sucked"
Class |
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| Fl@k Monkey |
Well guys, I got my gear back the other day and wasn't much in the mood for mixing due to the events so i set it all up and left it sitting on my table.
Was watching 'Human Traffic' earlier, having a smoke and a drink.. That inspired me to get back on the decks..
However..
It looks like my mixer may have been damaged over there somehow after i left most likely, Because the last i saw it that same stupid cd was playing for the 3rd time in one night.. Now when i turn it on it makes a crackling noise and all the levels sit at about -10, The 'beat lock' is blinking like nuts, And no music will come out.
Iv tried changing the amp around and going through the process of elimination but it looks like its ed.
It seems to work on and on-and-off basis.. If i leave it and turn it back on it goes fine. But it's just going spas on me now..
The owner who got me the gig isin't anwsering my msges either, It's only a 2nd hand Behringer DJX700 but i won't have the cash together for a new mixer for a LONG time.
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